16 February, Friday — Who are we fasting for?

Friday after Ash Wednesday

Is 58:1-9
Mt 9:14-15

They ask me for laws that are just, they long for God to draw near. “Why should we fast if you never see it? Why do penance if you never notice?”

Today, as the first Friday after Ash Wednesday, will probably be the day I am the keenest to carry out my Lenten resolutions before my good intentions gradually fade away amid either external circumstances or internal weakness and inertia.

But as I contemplate how I would like to pray, fast and give alms for this year, I am struck by the stern nature of today’s first reading and the almost accusatory words the Israelites have for our Lord above. Although I am tempted to judge them for their ‘entitled attitude’, I realise I also have similar expectations. After all, there have been instances when I grudgingly embarked on something ‘good’ which I either did not have the time for or was uncomfortable with. Once the event was (finally) over I would wonder why my time and effort had not led to any sort of reward, either for myself or the others whom I had interacted with. I suppose this shows I still have room to grow in my relationship with our God and in my mindset to do ‘good stuff’ for His glory, rather than my own gain.

Similarly, when I plan for Lent, I need to be mindful to pray, fast and give alms not just for myself – which is rather tempting since practices such as setting aside time for meditation, fasting from social media and donating our pre-loved possessions are beneficial in themselves – but also for God. (This realisation, which I probably already had an inkling of, is clearly also explained by Fr Mike Schmitz in his homily for this year’s Epiphany [watch here from 9:20 onwards], which I happened to listen to just before writing this reflection – perhaps another sign!)

In light of the above, today’s passage offers guidance on how God would like us to carry out our Lenten practices, and I was particularly struck by the last line:

… If you remove the yoke from among you, the accusing finger, and malicious speech …

The last two actions seem to describe my tendency to criticise and gossip, which is already reflected in my labelling the Israelites as entitled! Yet these are precisely the actions I regularly fail to refrain from, and the intention to not do them seems slightly at odds with my achievement-oriented approach to ‘do something’ for Lent. But perhaps this is exactly why God wants me to try this fast, and if I fail (or when) it can be an opportunity to turn back to Him and realise my need for Him always – which is one of the reasons why we embark on Lenten resolutions in the first place.   

(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)

Prayer: Lord, grant us wisdom and guidance to develop Lenten resolutions centred on You.

Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for patiently accompanying us on our Lenten journeys.